Omaruru lies in the west of the country, about 250 kilometres from Windhoek via Karibib and the C33, around three hours on tar. Between the coast and Etosha it is the quieter alternative to the bigger towns on the B1. The Spitzkoppe is just over 155 kilometres away. At the 2023 census the town had 10,670 residents.
- residents, 2023 census
- 10,670
- to Windhoek via Karibib
- 250 km
- siege, Franke Tower
- 1904
- to the Spitzkoppe
- 157 km
The name comes from Otjiherero and means bitter curdled milk, after a shrub that grows in the riverbed. From 1867 the Herero lived here under the Zeraua family. The Rhenish Mission arrived in 1872, and in Omaruru the missionary Gottlieb Viehe translated the Bible into Herero.
The town calls itself an artists' town. Woodcarvers, painters and several art associations are based here, and you will see much of it on a walk along the main street.
The Franke Tower
In 1894 the Germans set up a military station. During the war of 1904 the Herero besieged the garrison until a company under Victor Franke relieved it. The Franke Tower, now a national monument, commemorates this. It stands for a war that ended for the Herero in expulsion and genocide, and that is the best way to read it.
Wine and a monastery outside town
Near Omaruru the Kristall Kellerei makes wine. The Benedictine monastery of Waldfrieden is also in the area. With an afternoon to spare, you can combine both with a drive along the river.
At the foot of the Erongo
West of town rise the Erongo Mountains, a massif between Omaruru and Usakos. Many people stay not in town but at lodges in the hills. The accommodation feed lists the Erongo Wilderness Lodge and the Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge, for example, and in town Kashana Namibia and the Omaruru Guesthouse.
Coming from Swakopmund, you drive via the Spitzkoppe and Karibib, about 316 kilometres in all. The C33 from Karibib to Omaruru is tarred.
- Time needed
- one night between the coast and Etosha, two with a day in the Erongo
- From Windhoek
- 250 km, 190 minutes
Our tipSpend a night in the Erongo hills rather than in town. From there it is not far into Omaruru for dinner and the galleries.
Places to stay in Omaruru
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Otjohotozu Guestfarm
Farm Etendero
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €193per night on 23 November 2026
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Roidina Safari Lodge
Farm 217
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €114per night on 23 November 2026
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Erongo Wilderness Lodge
Erongo Mountains
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €203per night on 18 November 2026
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Ai Aiba, The Rock Painting Lodge
Erongo Mountains
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €338per night on 23 November 2026
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Omaruru Guesthouse
Dr. Ian Scheepers Drive, Erf. 305
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €51per night on 23 November 2026
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Kashana Namibia
Dr. Ian Scheepers Drive
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €74per night on 19 January 2027
Check prices on trivagoOmaruru: frequently asked questions
What does the Franke Tower in Omaruru commemorate?
The Franke Tower in Omaruru commemorates the Herero siege of the German garrison during the war of 1904, which a company under Victor Franke ended. The tower is a national monument.
Is there a winery near Omaruru?
Near Omaruru the Kristall Kellerei makes wine. The Benedictine monastery of Waldfrieden is in the same area.
How do you get from Windhoek to Omaruru?
From Windhoek to Omaruru you drive via Okahandja and Karibib and then north on the tarred C33, about 250 kilometres and roughly three hours in all.